Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 23 April 2012.

Israel and Palestine: West Bank

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding tourism infrastructure being developed by settlers in the West Bank.

Answer: The UK has made frequent representations to the Israeli authorities on issues relating to house demolitions and settlement building. Our views on settlements, including in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, are clear: they are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and constitute a threat to a two-state solution. All settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, should cease immediately. We have made clear our concerns to the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and with European Union partners, and will continue to do so. During his visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in January 2012, my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt), saw at first hand the impact on Palestinian communities of the development of infrastructure to support illegal settlements, an issue he has raised with the Israeli government during the visit and subsequently.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16682; 736 c354WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Construction Infrastructure Tourism Israel West Bank Occupied territories
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk